Innovative Smart Windows Developed by Indian Researchers with Self-Charging, Color-Changing Technology
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Synopsis
Indian researchers have invented smart windows that change color and recharge themselves without needing external power. This innovative technology promises to enhance energy efficiency and aesthetics in modern architecture.
Key Takeaways
- Smart windows can change color without external power.
- Self-recharging capability enhances energy efficiency.
- Development led by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh.
- Utilizes tungsten oxide for superior performance.
- Prototype demonstrates rapid charging and excellent cyclic stability.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Bengaluru, have created a groundbreaking device that allows smart windows to change color independently of external power sources.
The research team has made a remarkable progression in smart window technology by introducing windows that not only exhibit color changes but also feature self-recharging capabilities. This innovation presents an exciting prospect for contemporary architecture.
These smart windows improve visual appeal as they fluidly transition between colors while also accumulating energy, representing a potential game-changer for energy efficiency in building designs.
For many years, the aim of creating functional windows has been to enhance their performance and introduce new features. Yet, the development of windows with energy storage and self-recharging capabilities has faced hurdles such as cyclic stability and reliance on external power, limiting their broader implementation.
The team, led by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh, investigated the application of the zinc-ion battery concept in smart windows, using tungsten oxide (WO3) as the main active material in a study published in the journal Energy Storage Materials.
A key discovery from this research is the effective use of spray coating tungsten oxide with ethanol, which achieved excellent uniformity and film quality, thanks to the Marangoni flow effect—a phenomenon where liquid moves from low to high surface tension areas, similar to how soap causes water to flow away from dirt.
Moreover, the addition of hybrid Zn-K electrolytes significantly improved both electrochromic and electrochemical performance of the devices, achieving a remarkable transmittance modulation of 50 percent and outstanding cyclic stability lasting up to 10,000 seconds.
The research team successfully created and evaluated a prototype device utilizing the optimized WO3 sample and Zn-K electrolytes. The prototype exhibited exceptional cyclic stability over 3,000 cycles, rapid self-charging within just 10 minutes, and reversible optical modulation of 40 percent, underscoring its potential for sustainable energy storage in upcoming smart electronic applications.
This research signifies a notable breakthrough in smart window technology, highlighting the promise of WO3-based materials in developing energy-efficient and sustainable electronic solutions.
The outcomes of this study open avenues for integrating these devices into smart electronics, potentially powered by renewable energy sources, marking a substantial advancement in the quest for sustainable energy solutions and showcasing the practical application of transparent batteries in modern technology, as noted by the researchers.
